Focus

It’s hard to overestimate the importance of standardized tests in public schools today. Grade advancement, high school diplomas, teacher bonuses, principals’ jobs and school reputations can all hinge on whether a student picks the right answer.So who creates the tests ...

It is the best of times, it is the worst of times, and the Arizona Legislature finds itself right in the middle, with education of our youth in jeopardy. The best of times: We’re on a roll! Arizona has established ...

Early in the school year, Iris Lee gave some thought to the U.S. Senate Youth Program, which offers an all-expense trip to Washington, D.C., and a $5,000 scholarship.But it’s likely it would have been a passing thought had she not ...

Shortly after Dean Martin won the Treasurer’s Office, he “scrubbed” the office’s entire investment portfolio, making sure there were “no dogs left over from the previous administration.” The Treasurer’s Office is often referred to as the state’s bank. Tell our ...

The housing slump impacted revenue in 24 states this year and 18 say they are “concerned” about their revenue outlook, triple the number from last year, a new report released Dec. 10 shows.The glum assessment from the National Conference of ...

Does it sometimes seem like you spend money without even knowing where it’s gone? If you are like most Americans, you’re being “nickled and dimed” by seemingly small charges throughout each week. Pretty soon all those nickels and dimes add ...

The Federal Reserve cut a key interest rate by one-quarter of a percentage point Dec. 11, trying to keep the U.S. economy out of recession.The reduction in the federal funds rate to 4.25 percent marked the third rate cut in ...

A double-barreled economic development effort is enhancing the Phoenix area’s chances of landing new businesses and helping local companies to expand.Two complementary programs — products of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC) — are designed to put economic development on ...